2021 marked the 46th season for Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch. Although we dealt with another year of COVID-19, we were able to conduct a full season count. In total, we recorded 37,621 migrating raptors this season, which is a new season high record (10-year avg = 26,598, previous record = 35,078 in 2010). Our volunteer counters were able to cover 86 days this season (86% of 108 total days, avg = 89 days) amounting to a total of 519.75 hours of effort (avg = 591). Poor weather canceled the count on 11 days, and 11 other days were not counted due to unavailability of counters.
Most raptor species had average or above-average numbers this year. We counted 355 BALD EAGLE, which is above our season average of 281. OSPREY numbers were above average with 330 (avg = 269). Our NORTHERN HARRIER count of 80 was above the average of 68. Our counts of 2,309 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (avg = 1,822) and 402 COOPER’S HAWK (avg = 324) were both quite healthy and above average. Of the buteos, our counts of 662 RED-TAILED HAWK (avg = 869) and 52 RED-SHOULDERED HAWK (avg = 93) were both well below average. The BROAD-WINGED HAWK migration, however, was spectacular this year with a new season record of 33,017 (avg = 22,474, previous record = 32,389 in 2010)! We had five days with quadruple-digit broad-wing numbers (ranging between 2,995 – 7,801). Of the falcons, our counts of 204 AMERICAN KESTREL (avg = 218) and 53 MERLIN (avg = 46) were near average. However, we had a very strong, above-average count of 56 PEREGRINE FALCON (avg = 38); second only to 65 counted in 2014.
Among uncommon raptors, our counts of 2 NORTHERN GOSHAWK (avg = 7) and 14 GOLDEN EAGLE (avg = 21) were both notably below average. Our MISSISSIPPI KITE count of 4 was average (avg = 3). We were fortunate to have observed an adult female light phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK on November 17 (avg = 1). Finally, the biggest highlight of the 2021 season came on November 4 when we observed the first-ever SWALLOW-TAILED KITE reported at Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch, which migrated down the east side of the mountain!
In terms of non-raptors, a couple uncommon sightings included two Olive-sided Flycatchers and a juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron. We didn’t see many waterfowl other than 74 Double-crested Cormorant. A few Herring Gulls and Ring-billed Gulls appeared. In terms of swallows and swifts, we counted 222 Barn Swallow, 1,480 Tree Swallow, 4 Bank Swallow, 3 Cliff Swallow, 8 Northern Rough-winged Swallow, and 6,985 Chimney Swift. In terms of woodpeckers, we had 81 Red-headed Woodpecker, 191 Northern Flicker, and a few Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Migrating warblers included the following 19 species: Hooded, American Redstart, Yellow, Magnolia, Black-throated Green, Black-and-white, Cape May, Black-throated Blue, Northern Parula, Blackburnian, Tennessee, Blackpoll, Ovenbird, Bay-breasted, Palm, Pine, Common Yellowthroat, Chestnut-sided, and Nashville.
Other notable migrants counted this fall include: 263 Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 1,682 Blue Jay, 2,115 American Robin, 1,466 Cedar Waxwing, 694 Red-winged Blackbird, and 7 Common Nighthawk. September 19 was a big passerine migration day where we counted a total of 61 avian species (13 warbler species) including 79 Scarlet Tanagers, and a new single-day Virginia record of 119 Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Finally, we were happy to have had a good Monarch Butterfly migration consisting of 1,317 counted flying through the gap including a late Monarch on November 12.
On September 19, we held our 8th annual Open House event “Where the Raptors Soar!”. We hosted exhibits by a number of groups including the Virginia Wildlife Center (2 live raptors shows), Rivanna Master Naturalists, Piedmont Virginia Bird club and Kestrel Nesting Box project, Augusta Bird Club, Rockingham Bird Club, and Monarch Butterfly life cycle. A huge thanks goes out to Mary Mapel who coordinated our event and helped make it such a great success! Thanks also to Daniel Mapel for the hot dogs and laughs! We had a record number of visitors and attendees with well over 150 folks on site! The Inn’s parking lot was completely filled with cars!
I want to give a huge thanks to the following volunteer counters who contributed this season: Brenda Tekin, Rose Thomas, Ezra Staengl, David Hunter, and Gabriel Mapel. We were very happy that so many visitors made it up to witness this great migration with us this season. Finally, we sincerely thank all those who helped support our hawk watch this year with your generous donations!
– Vic Laubach, Coordinator